A look back at Gay Games VIII via Living In the Queer Times: Chuck Coleman

Living In the Queer Times covered the preparation of athletes and artists for Gay Games VIII last summer, as well as the Games themselves. As we approach the first anniversary of Gay Games VIII, we'll be posting snippets from these articles.

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The Road to Cologne: Stories From The Athletes | Chuck Coleman

Soon after the retreat, I got a trainer and began weight lifting in a serious manner over a year. After that time, during a casual dinner one night, a friend who was organizing a Frontrunners chapter casually told me about the Gay Games, something I remembered reading about in the Advocate a couple of years ago. Immediately, I talked to my trainer about the Games, and without hesitation he mapped out a year and a half schedule to get me ready to be a competitive gay power lifter.

Now, I am a 50 year old man still possessing all the positive characteristics I had at 47 with the addition of power lifting gym buddies both gay and straight as my closest friends. With three local power lifting meets under my belt, I am ready and eager to get to Cologne. I can’t believe that I am competing with other men in an intensely physical sport while being totally free to be gay without hesitation. I may never be able to throw a ball, but gay power lifting supported by the Gay Games has done more for my self-esteem and self-acceptance than all my years, and I do mean years, of psychotherapy!!

Read in full HERE.

Update: Chuck took a gold medal in his category (Masters 2 under 110 kg) in Cologne.